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Authentic Carne Asada Marinade for Tender, Flavorful Grilling

Close-up of perfectly grilled and sliced steak, showing a medium-rare center, prepared with carne asada marinade.
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This is the best carne asada marinade recipe to make your skirt or flank steak incredibly tender and packed with traditional Mexican flavor for your next grilling session.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds skirt steak or flank steak
  • 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 6-8 limes)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for spice)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the steak: If using flank steak, lightly score the surface in a crosshatch pattern. Place the steak in a large, resealable plastic bag or a non-reactive dish.
  2. Combine marinade ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, minced garlic, jalapeño (if using), cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and orange juice. Mix well until everything is incorporated.
  3. Marinate the meat: Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish.
  4. Refrigerate: Let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or up to 12 hours for the best flavor and tenderness. Do not marinate longer than 12 hours, as the acid can start to break down the meat too much.
  5. Grill: Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Grill over medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness.
  6. Rest and slice: Let the grilled carne asada rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve immediately for tacos or burritos.

Notes

  • For an extra layer of flavor, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to the marinade mixture.
  • If you are using flank steak, pounding it slightly with a meat mallet before marinating helps it absorb more flavor.
  • This marinade works perfectly for achieving that classic Mexican carne asada flavor profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycourier.com/carne-asada-marinade-easy-recipe-best-grilling/